Kevin O. Ochwedo
International Centre of Excellence for Malaria Research, Kenya
Biography
Kevin O. Ochwedo is a molecular biologist with a passion for improving people's health and well-being by participating in programs aimed at malaria transmission reduction and eradication. He is actively involved in genetic epidemiology and entomological studies of malaria parasites and vectors. His most recent publication on Plasmodium falciparum passive surveillance aims to persuade public health policymakers to supplement microscopic examination of blood samples with ultrasensitive diagnostic tools in order to support WHO's strategy of early detection and treatment of malaria patients. This, he believes, will help reduce the large number of untreated patients with false-negative malaria diagnoses who may be acting as a reservoir for P. falciparum transmission to vectors within malaria endemic zones in Sub-Saharan Africa.